People Cheer GHMC Expansion, Fear Inflated Tax Demands
Several residents pointed out that GHMC has superior grievance-redressal systems including a common helpline and strong online presence, which they believe will make it easier to get civic issues resolved
Hyderabad: People living outside the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) but within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits have broadly welcomed the government’s decision to merge 27 urban local bodies (ULBs) with GHMC. Residents cited expectations of better municipal services, quicker grievance redressal and uniform jurisdiction, but many also expressed concern about a possible increase in property tax.
Several residents pointed out that GHMC has superior grievance-redressal systems including a common helpline and strong online presence, which they believe will make it easier to get civic issues resolved.
Citing the example of sewage overflow in Badangpet Municipal Corporation, P. Geeta, a resident of Prashanti Nagar, said jurisdiction confusion has been a persistent problem.
“Since a month there has been sewage overflow in Prashantinagar, Badangpet. When I checked online, it showed that sewage issues are handled by the Water Board. But when I called them, they told me they handle only issues within the GHMC limits and that the responsibility lies with the local municipality,” she said. “With the merger, such jurisdiction issues will be solved,” she added, welcoming the decision.
However, not all residents are without concerns. A resident from BMR Vishnupuri Colony, Bairagiguda, said he fears the merger may again inflate the tax burden.
“When our gram panchayat became a municipal corporation, the property tax increased multiple folds. Now I fear the tax will increase again,” he said.
For some, the merger may have the opposite effect. Ramana Eshwaragari, president of the Tellapur Neighbourhood Association (TeNA), said property tax in their area is already higher than GHMC slabs.
“The property tax in our area is more than that of GHMC. For us, tax deductions will be a relief. However, I assume that reaching officials physically will become a challenge,” he said.
Many residents also highlighted that GHMC’s strong digital outreach is a major advantage.
“It is not easy to reach officials and staff of civic bodies outside GHMC through phone or online. But GHMC officials are available through multiple platforms, including X and mobile apps,” said Sai Teja, a tech professional. “Whether the grievance gets resolved or not is another story, but access to even high-ranking officials through social media is much easier with GHMC compared to ULBs outside the Corporation,” he added.
